Saying “best by” in Spanish can be a bit tricky, as there isn’t a direct translation for this term. However, there are several ways to convey the same meaning depending on the context and region. In this guide, we will explore different formal and informal ways to express “best by” in Spanish, along with tips, examples, and any regional variations that may exist.
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Formal Ways to Say “Best by” in Spanish
1. “Fecha de caducidad”: This is the most common way to state an expiration date formally in Spanish. It directly translates to “expiration date” and is widely used on food products and medicine.
El yogurt vencerá en dos semanas según su fecha de caducidad. (The yogurt will expire in two weeks according to its “fecha de caducidad.”)
2. “Fecha límite de consumo”: This phrase is commonly used in the food industry to refer to the recommended last date for consuming a product.
Recuerde que el pescado tiene una fecha límite de consumo. (Remember that fish has a “fecha límite de consumo”)
Informal Ways to Say “Best by” in Spanish
1. “Fecha de vencimiento”: Although this phrase is commonly used in formal contexts, it can also be used informally.
Esa bolsa de papas tiene una fecha de vencimiento en dos días. (That bag of chips has a “fecha de vencimiento” in two days.)
2. “Fecha recomendada de consumo”: This phrase is similar to “fecha límite de consumo” but used more informally to suggest the best date for consuming a product.
La fecha recomendada de consumo del pan es antes de una semana de la compra. (The recommended date for consuming bread is within a week of purchase.)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, there may be slight regional variations in terminology. Here are a few examples:
- Mexico: In Mexico, you might hear “fecha de vencimiento” as the most commonly used phrase for “best by.” However, “fecha de caducidad” is also widely understood.
- Spain: In Spain, “fecha de caducidad” is the most commonly used term, while “fecha de consumo preferente” may also be heard.
- Argentina: In Argentina, “fecha de vencimiento” and “fecha de caducidad” are both commonly used to convey “best by.”
Remember that regional variations are minor and native speakers will still understand the meaning regardless of the specific terminology used.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand how to use these phrases:
- Tip 1: When reading a product label or packaging, look for phrases such as “consumir antes de” (consume before), “válido hasta” (valid until), or “se recomienda consumir antes de” (it is recommended to consume before) followed by a specific date.
- Example 1: La leche es válida hasta el 31 de diciembre. (The milk is valid until December 31st.)
“Consumir antes de 31 de diciembre” (consume before December 31st) would also work in this case.
- Tip 2: If you are unsure about the best-by date of a product, you can ask a store clerk or use phrases such as ¿Cuál es la fecha de vencimiento? (What is the expiration date?) or ¿Hasta cuándo se puede consumir? (Until when can it be consumed?).
- Example 2: Quisiera saber hasta cuándo se puede consumir este queso. (I would like to know until when this cheese can be consumed.)
